How important is it...

to really memorize the chords while going through GF1 and 2? I just started about a month ago and doing pretty well so far....but....was wondering if I really need to know the chords now or can I just learn them as I progress?

Also, 2 chords have given me some trouble (as most people have experienced appearently, lol) the A major and F major. I just could not get that A major the way it was shown...so I decided to switch it up and place my fingers as follows: index on G-string, middle on D-string and ring on B-string. Staggering like this makes it MUCH easier to fit all my fingers in the fret. Is this an acceptable alternative? Or am I setting myself up for difficulty later by doing this? No problems so far switching chords with this finger position.

Still working on the F major and REALLY not getting it yet, just cant get those strings to ring clear at the same time......hopefully get it eventually.

Thanks for thoughts in advance...

Yep, the way your playing the open A is fine

The 'F Major ' is one of the most difficult chords but most usefull

If you form the F chord and slide your whole hand up to the 8th fret - where it becomes C, you'll find the frets are closer together and easier to hold the ' shape'
Eventually it'll become easier and you can slide it back to the first fret

I remember learning the F. It became much easier when I started learning full barre chords.
Put your index finger across the whole fret, middle finger on the G-string, ring finger on the A, and pinky on the D string. You can play that shape all across the board and play alot of major and minor chords.

I am also a relative newbie here and have struggled with the F chord for 2 months also with no hope of ever mastering it.

I posted this problem on the board a short time ago and was amazed at the many helpful respones I received.

It was very surprising to discover how many experienced players had wrestled with the same issue at one time or another.

The one common theme was the old adage Practice * Practice * Practice

So listening to the kind folks here and the great instructors I kept plugging away every day. Guess what, In 3 days of concentrating on this chord I actually got it. Not quite sure what I did right but after hitting it the 1st time I was able to repeat it.

Now if I could only do the same with Barre Chords :eek:

Keep with it every day and don't let it frustrate you and before you know it you will have it down pat.

Best Of Luck

Jazzn

The most important thing with the barre chords is the bar, and it's also the hardest to get right. Let's do this in the 5th fret, it's a little easier to do there. Put your thumb about in the middle of the back of the neck, at the 5th fret. Without pushing, or applying any pressure, put your index finger across all the strings. You want to put it as close to the middle of the fret as you can, that way if your index finger is crooked like mine, it should still be between the frets. If you want an idea of the positioning of the fingers, and the thumb. Hold your hand out, and without bending the index finger, tap your thumb with it. This is the best way to grab the neck, it can also help you get used to where your index finger should be.

I think one of the biggest mistakes is, that everyone thinks put the bar down first. I think it works better if you place the thumb first. The position of everyone's thumb will vary though, and it may move some when you put your finger across the strings. This is alright, you're stll trying to find the position for your bar. Keep your index finger as straight as you can, and put it down on the strings. Remember to move it towards your thumb, you should feel the strings pressing against the index finger. You want each string to feel the same, in other words equal pressure, but you still don't press down yet. Now keeping the thumb in place, and keeping your finger straight, lift it off of the strings. Now put the finger back down as before, and then do this again. Tap the strings, as you did your thumb in the previous exercise. This is the position you want to remember, especially where your thumb is.

Now apply the pressure, by pressing down on the strings with your index finger. Play the strings one at a time, and you want each one to be clear. This may take some time to get used to, and your index finger will hurt some until then. Don't over do it, blisters really hurt, and you'll lose practice time while they heal.

When you find a comfortable position for the bar, add the other fingers. Again you want clear notes, when you play the strings. After you feel comfortable with it in the 5th fret, move it to the 7th fret, and then back to the 3rd, then to the 8th. Then you should be ready to tackle the dreaded F, in the 1st fret, next is the 10th fret, then the 12th fret. On an acoustic this is about as far up the neck as you can go, unless it has a cutaway.

I hope this helps everyone, it's the best anology I could come up with to explain this. Once again, don't over do it, and try to give equal time to each position when you practice. Let me know how it goes, and if I can be of any more help.

I also have another option for the A major chord, but I'll have to get some sleep first, lol.

JD